My Dad is in a nursing home, victim of a rare, cruel neurological disorder called Progressive Surpanuclear Palsy. No one knows what causes it. There is no cure. There is no treatment. He is being reduced to an infant, then he will become a vegetable and eventually he'll die. And all I can do is watch.

Will Guthrie, my friend for at least fifteen years died a week ago. Pancreatic cancer. It was three weeks from diagnosis to his death. I visited him the night before he died. He didn't have an easy time, even before he got sick. Between his mental illness, a stroke, destitution, etc. he still managed to keep going. He even managed to get disability and put together a fairly decent life.

Then he was cut down.

I've been listening to Johnny Cash's cover of the song, Hurt.

I hurt myself today To see if I still feel I focus on the pain The only thing that's real The needle tears a hole The old familiar sting Try to kill it all away But I remember everything

What have I become My sweetest friend Everyone I know goes away In the end And you could have it all My empire of dirt I will let you down I will make you hurt

It finally all got real. I need to get some sleep now. Sleep while it's dark.

Chuck -I've gone through what you're feeling. My deepest condolences. It's not easy losing someone you love, particularly when it occurs so quickly.

If it is any solace at all, that rapidity is a thing of comfort in the long run. Of my two grandparents my grandfather suffered eight years of degenerating health and suffering. My grandmother passed away three months after being diagnosed with colon cancer. It hurts more in the short term to lose someone who only a few months ago was in good health, but it does, with time, become a blessing in a way.

Sit with friends, let family be there for you. Comfort others in his circle. He sounds like he was, in many ways, inspirational.

I have a question: did he write many other poems? Other pieces?

- I love to find adventure. All I need is a change of clothes, my Nikon, an open mind and a strong cup of coffee.

I'm going to be with family today. I just needed to grieve last night (this morning), to let go. I'm everyone else's tower of strength around here and it gets hard to simply let go. I really needed to do that.

Frank, I am sorry about your grandfather. Losing someone you love is always sad, even when expected. Sounds like your granddad had a good life. Take care of yourself.Chuck, you've been a help and a strength often to me here. Care for yourself. Love to you both, Diane